remember this when working on the Transition Plan. Be thorough in planning his or her day beginning with the first day after school graduation.
Remember, the Service Coordinator is there for the life of your child. It does not stop when the child graduates. Each year, you should still create an Individual Plan for the disabled person and family. This includes adult day program, vocational rehabilitation programs, job-training programs, camps, respite, public transportation, housing, housing modifications, adaptations such as wheelchairs or braces, nursing or one-on-one support person, etc. This is in addition to monthly benefits such as food and money from SSI.
If your child receives SSI, at age 18, the amount will be automatically adjusted considering the individual adult and not the wages of his or her parent. This could result in an increase in the monthly benefit amount, but typically does not result in a decrease in the amount. The best person to assist you with this process is a Social Security Representative. Due to the millions of persons the Social Security Administration serves, you may not receive notice about the change in your child's monthly benefit amount by the 18th birthday.
- Beware to pay attention to what changes the Social Security Administration makes for your child because each program (SSDI and SSI) affects the type of medical coverage your adult child with special needs will receive (i.e., Medicare v. Medical Assistance).
- The same rules and regulations of the Social Security Administration that applies to adults with disabilities, will now apply to your adult child with special needs. For example, you will need to enroll the child in a prescription plan and select a primary doctor/clinic, etc.
As long as the parent is receiving SSDI, so will the child with special needs. Once the parent stops receiving SSDI, the adult child with special needs will be rolled into the SSI program. Social Security Administration keeps track and handles this situation. Your child's monthly check should not be interrupted. Always check directly with the Social Security Administration with any questions, but your Service Coordinator may be able to answer some of your questions.
- Understand the Service Coordinator has absolutely NO control over decisions made by the Social Security Administration.
Remember in the last year of school, proms, senior trips, assemblies at school, etc. are very important to the special needs child just like any other child. He or she should participate fully (i.e., tuxedo, gown, limo, photos, announcements, etc.) as you can afford to. These high-school level functions can be written into the Individual Plan of Care with Service Coordination. Do not be too proud to ask if financial assistance is available that can be used towards senior activities. Your Service Coordinator may be able to tap into resources to help, but he or she may not. A reasonable request can be made for transportation to/from a senior event taking place when the school building is closed (i.e., mobility ride).
Remember, your service coordinator has access to many, many non-profits who may be able to help in so many different ways. You can also do independent searches/contacts.
REMEMBER, YOUR CHILD SHOULD HAVE A VOICE IN HIS OR HER TRANSITIONAL PLAN!
Be encouraged that the Lord's rod and staff will always, always guide you and comfort you. The Lord does not take His rod and staff away when your child leaves school. REMEMBER, there is no, NO cut-off point for using the Parent Resource Center. Stay connected to your Parent Resource Center and if possible, show your adult child how to use it for networking, etc.
Passing the peace,
Posted By: agnes levine
Monday, September 19th 2011 at 12:54PM
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